Asia-Cast

Asia Cast for Tuesday 20th April

In this Bulletin…

- Qinghai, China earthquake rescue teams denied access;
- Blasts hit Rangoon in Burma’s New Year celebrations; and
- Australia plans tougher maritime shipping laws.

But first we have our Shen Yun quote of the day

[Audio]

For more information please visit www.ShenYunPerformingArts.org.

Our SOH focus on China is next

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Civilian and international rescue teams have been denied access to regions hit by the earthquake in Qinghai Province, China. All roads to the quake-affected area were shut down April 16.

Despite the escalating tragedy, a team from Japan—a country with considerable expertise in earthquake rescue work—was also denied access. Several volunteer groups are stuck in Xining, 522 miles away.

A local official told The Epoch Times that over 10,000 tents were allocated, but only a small portion reached those who needed them. Volunteers report many elderly and children have died from exposure to freezing overnight temperatures.

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In related news, 70 percent of the schools in Yushu, Qinghai Province collapsed during the 7.1 magnitude earthquake of April 14.

Independent reports of collapsed schools and student casualties indicate a situation far worse than what was initially claimed.

A frontline rescue worker told The Epoch Times there are so many casualties at one school that the total numbers haven’t been calculated yet.

On Saturday, over one thousand Tibetan monks held a mass cremation for those who died in the earthquake. The monk who hosted the ceremony said that 2,300 bodies were cremated. Differing numbers of casualties are being reported.

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And now for the rest of today’s Asia Cast

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Burma’s New Year festivities turned deadly when bomb blasts hit the nation’s largest city, Rangoon on April 15. The explosions, detonated at a lakeside pavilion, killed at least eight people.

Burma’s military junta has blamed terrorists and destructive elements for the destruction, but they did not elaborate any further.

Some anti-junta activists accuse the junta of setting off the bombs in Rangoon and Kachin.

Analysts say that in preparation for planned elections, the junta has unveiled a choreographed display of democratic activity that some have called a mere facade.

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Thailand’s army has moved hundreds of soldiers into the business district of Bangkok. Their move aims to prevent anti-government protestors from entering the area.

The protest by the red shirts is now in its fifth week as they try to force Thailand’s prime minister to step down and call an election.

Officials say the intent is not to attack protestors but to simply block any attempt they might make in the area.

After last week when protests turned deadly, new reports say everyday normal activities have resumed but with a significantly increased military presence on the streets.

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“You are listening to Asia Cast on the SOH Radio Network”

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South Korea’s president has vowed to respond resolutely to the sinking of a warship last month. The ship sank near the sea border with North Korea.

In a moving speech, the president wiped away tears as he recited the names of the dead and missing crew. He said the South’s military would become stronger to prevent similar incidents.

Investigators who have been bringing up parts of the ship in recent days have ruled out an on-board fault. The damage appeared to come from an outside blast.

South Korea has avoiding making any statement blaming the North for the incident.

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Australia is planning to ramp up its surveillance of commercial ships passing through all parts of the Great Barrier Reef. This follows the grounding of a Chinese carrier which leaked about three tons of oil into the sea.

Under the new regulations, ships in southern parts of the Great Barrier Reef will be tracked by satellite. They will also be required to regularly report their movements.

Vessels using the reef’s northern expanses are already subject to such strict monitoring.

Moves to extend the system were being drawn up earlier this month, before the Chinese carrier had grounded.

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“Asia Cast… keeping you across the top headlines from Asia and the World.”